What Happened This Year 1581

Historical Events from This Year 1581

Exploration & Discovery

Queen Elizabeth I Knights Francis Drake

April 4th, 1581 443 years ago

Francis Drake received a knighthood from Queen Elizabeth I at a ceremony on the Golden Hind, in recognition of his historic circumnavigation of the globe. This achievement, which lasted from 1577 to 1580, made him the first Englishman to complete the journey and significantly challenged Spanish maritime dominance. The knighthood solidified his reputation as a national hero in England, celebrated for not just his exploration but also for his role in defeating the Spanish Armada.

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Politics & Government

Northern Low Countries Declare Independence

July 26th, 1581 443 years ago

The northern provinces of the Low Countries declared their independence from the rule of Spanish King Philip II in a formal document known as the Plakkaat van Verlatinghe. The declaration was prompted by oppressive governance and the quest for greater religious and civil freedoms in a region marked by significant resistance to Spanish Catholic rule. This act was pivotal in the establishment of the Dutch Republic, setting the stage for the Eighty Years' War against Spain.

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Born in 1581 (View all 12)

James Ussher

Irish Archbishop and biblical scholar
Born
January 4th, 1581 444 years ago
Died
March 21st, 1656 368 years ago — 75 years old

Born in 1581, served as Archbishop of Armagh in Ireland and was a prominent historian and theologian. Ussher is particularly recognized for his work on biblical chronology, culminating in the publication of 'Annales veteris testamenti, a prima mundi origine', which proposed a timeline for the creation of the world. His calculations suggested that the creation occurred in 4004 BC. Ussher also engaged in debates regarding the nature of the Biblical canon and the authority of scripture. His scholarly pursuits contributed significantly to the understanding of early church history and biblical interpretation during the 17th century.

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Pieter Corneliszoon Hooft

Dutch historian and poet, wrote Dutch history
Born
March 16th, 1581 443 years ago
Died
May 21st, 1647 377 years ago — 66 years old

Born in 1581, a prominent figure in Dutch literature and history. Engaged in historical writing and poetry, contributing significantly to the Dutch Golden Age. Best known for the historical work 'Nederlandse Historien', which detailed the history of the Netherlands during the Eighty Years' War against Spain. His poetry emphasized the beauty of the Dutch landscape and classical themes. Hooft also played a key role in the literary circles of his time, influencing other writers and poets.

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Vincent de Paul

French priest and founder of missions
Born
April 24th, 1581 443 years ago
Died
September 27th, 1660 364 years ago — 79 years old

Born in 1581, dedicated life to serving the poor and marginalized. Established the Congregation of the Mission, which focused on the spiritual and material needs of the underprivileged. Founded the Daughters of Charity, the first community of non-clerical women dedicated to serving the needy. Promoted social justice and the care for the ill. Utilized the principles of charity and humility in all endeavors, guiding numerous initiatives aimed at helping the destitute.

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San Pedro Claver

Spanish Jesuit saint and missionary
Born
June 26th, 1581 443 years ago
Died
1654 371 years ago — 73 years old

Born in 1581, a Spanish Jesuit missionary dedicated life to the service of enslaved people in the Americas. Deployed to Cartagena, Colombia, provided care and catechesis to thousands of Africans brought to the region. Established a reputation for compassion and advocacy for the rights of the enslaved, working tirelessly to alleviate their suffering. Canonized in 1888, he became the patron saint of enslaved people and mission workers.

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Claude Gaspard Bachet de Méziriac

French mathematician and linguist
Born
October 9th, 1581 443 years ago
Died
February 26th, 1638 387 years ago — 56 years old

Significant contributions to mathematics and linguistics occurred throughout the career. Published 'Luck, or the Art of Playing with Dice' which explored probability theory and combinatorics. Worked on number theory and was known for translations of classical texts, broadening access to mathematical ideas. The writings influenced future mathematicians and promoted mathematics as a discipline during the Renaissance.

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Domenichino

Italian painter of Baroque masterpieces
Born
October 21st, 1581 443 years ago
Died
1641 384 years ago — 60 years old

An Italian painter of the Baroque period, this artist demonstrated a mastery of light, color, and form. Trained under the prominent artist Annibale Carracci, the painter became known for his religious and mythological compositions, working primarily in fresco and oil. Notable works include 'The Communion of Saint Jerome' and 'The Martyrdom of Saint Agnes', showcasing a blend of classical influences and emotional depth. The painter held significant roles in various ecclesiastical commissions throughout Italy, reflecting the artistic trends of the 17th century.

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People Who Died in 1581 (View all 14)

Peder Skram

Danish admiral and politician
Born
1503 522 years ago
Died
July 11th, 1581 443 years ago — 78 years old

Served as an admiral in the Danish Navy and held several political positions. Played a significant role in naval operations during the Nordic wars. Contributed to the establishment of Danish naval strength and was involved in the administration of various regions. Engaged in several naval battles, enhancing Denmark's maritime presence.

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Richard Cox

English bishop and scholar
Born
1500 525 years ago
Died
July 22nd, 1581 443 years ago — 81 years old

Served as the Bishop of Ely from 1559 to 1581. Played a role in the establishment of the Church of England after the English Reformation. Involved in the foundation of Trinity College, Cambridge, which strengthened educational structures within the Anglican church. Advocated for the reformed doctrines that shaped Anglican theology.

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Guru Ram Das

Sikh Guru and founder of Amritsar
Born
September 24th, 1534 490 years ago
Died
September 1st, 1581 443 years ago — 46 years old

Fourth of the Ten Gurus of Sikhism, provided spiritual guidance and established the city of Amritsar. Composed the hymns in the Guru Granth Sahib, which are essential to Sikh spiritual practice. Promoted the values of humility, service, and equality throughout the community. Played a key role in the development of Sikh institutions and the construction of the Golden Temple, a central place of worship.

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Hubert Languet

French diplomat and reformer
Born
1518 507 years ago
Died
September 30th, 1581 443 years ago — 63 years old

A diplomat and reformer, contributed to the Protestant cause during the Reformation. Languet served as the envoy to various European courts, advocating for political reforms and religious freedoms. Worked closely with key reformers and aimed to establish alliances among Protestant states. His writings and correspondence highlighted the significance of civic liberty and the responsibilities of rulers.

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Louis Bertrand

Spanish missionary and saint
Born
1526 499 years ago
Died
October 9th, 1581 443 years ago — 55 years old

Served as a missionary in South America, focusing on the conversion of indigenous peoples. Established missions in various locations, including Venezuela and Colombia. Played a significant role in the spread of Catholicism during the Spanish colonization period.

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Bayinnaung

King of Burma; expanded the kingdom
Born
January 16th, 1516 509 years ago
Died
October 10th, 1581 443 years ago — 65 years old

Ruled as king of Burma from 1551 to 1581. Expanded the kingdom's territory significantly, incorporating regions of present-day Thailand, Laos, and parts of India. Established a strong centralized administration and was involved in numerous military campaigns to consolidate power. Oversaw economic prosperity during the reign and improved trade routes across Southeast Asia.

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